What To Do In Santa Monica for Entertainment
Ideally located, Ocean Santa Monica is set away from the hustle and bustle yet only steps from endless activities.
The Beach
The beach is a stunning destination any time of day. Early risers can enjoy a picturesque sunrise. Park yourself on a bench on Ocean Ave or head down to the ocean front walk to soak in the beauty of a dawning day. Mid-day beach visits are optimal for a dip in the ocean, beach volleyball, surfing, paddle boarding, or just catching some rays.
The Sunset
Enjoy Santa Monica sunsets from your patio, our beautiful rooftop deck, Palisades Park outside of your door, the gorgeous Penthouse restaurant on top of The Huntley Hotel (two blocks away), or The Lobster (at the beginning of The Santa Monica Pier).
The Pier
Beginning in July, Twilight Concerts at the Santa Monica Pier are an absolutely enchanting and free way to spend Thursday evenings. Grab some friends, blankets, and a nice bottle of wine to set up a nice picnic and enjoy the live music.
The Santa Monica Pier is a totally different yet equally wonderful destination during the day. We only recommend this excursion for families with young children. Home of the world’s first solar powered Ferris wheel, The Santa Monica Pier amusement park is packed with 15 games and attractions, including trapeze school, an aquarium, and the only over-sea miniature golf course. A good old-fashioned afternoon of activity on the pier is best finished with seafood or American classics from the pier’s seven restaurants. Click here to see a list of all activities.
Movie Theaters
Can’t wait to see the newest, hottest blockbuster? Watch in comfort at the newly renovated AMC 7 movie theater on the Third Street Promenade. However, as a warning, with double-wide reclining chairs, you may be inclined to take a mid-flick snooze. Just down the promenade is the ArcLight Cinemas at Santa Monica Place. For those interested in luxury movie-going, the ArcLight has a refined menu of shared plates, small bites and elevated movie snack classics. Inevitably, all that snacking will make you thirsty. Enjoy your favorite cocktail, wine, and beer at special 21+ screenings. A short drive up Pacific Coast Highway, you can enjoy shopping, dinner, and a movie at the Bay Theater in the new Palisades Village quaint outdoor mall.
Want your movie seaside? For the month of October, Front Porch Cinema on Fridays allow you to forget about the work week while on the beach, catching new and classic flicks. Make sure to bundle up.
Shopping
Santa Monica is a renowned shopping destination. Montana Avenue is lined with upscale boutiques and chic eateries, making it a lovely area to window shop or indulge in the finer things. Downtown Santa Monica is a lively open-air setting that is sure to have your favorite retailers, such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Nike, as well as many more to discover. With street performers peppered throughout, the Third Street Promenade’s prime people-watching is as notable as it’s shopping. The newest shopping development is the outdoor Palisades Village in the Pacific Palisades, a short drive or Uber away!